Orange Sierra Leone has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding digital connectivity, enhancing customer experience, and increasing investment in the country’s telecommunications sector during the National Communications Authority (NaTCA) Consumer Parliament held in Kenema.
The forum, held under the theme “Connectivity for Accelerated Growth,” brought together regulators, Members of Parliament, telecom operators, government officials, and consumers to discuss challenges affecting digital access and strategies for improving telecommunications services nationwide.
Representing Orange Sierra Leone at the engagement, Alpha Bundu highlighted the company’s long-standing contribution to Sierra Leone’s telecom industry, noting that its operations date back 29 years to the Celtel era, while the Orange brand itself has operated in the country for the past decade.
“Our presence here is to listen to the concerns of our customers because we believe our customers are our bosses,” Bundu said during the forum.
He disclosed that Orange Sierra Leone currently supports more than 30,000 indirect jobs through its nationwide distribution network, including franchise operators, agents, kiosks, Orange Money POS operators, and other service outlets.
According to Bundu, the company has established approximately 650 operational network sites across Sierra Leone, including installations in remote and difficult-to-access communities. He said Orange remains committed to extending connectivity despite logistical and operational challenges in some parts of the country.
He further revealed that nearly 29 percent of the company’s profits are reinvested into network maintenance, expansion projects, and operational improvements. As part of its ongoing infrastructure drive, Bundu said the company has recently deployed more than 50 additional network sites nationwide.
The Orange representative also highlighted continued investment in 4G technology, assuring consumers that the company would continue to strengthen service delivery and digital access.
“We will continue to invest, innovate, and improve connectivity for Sierra Leoneans,” he stated.
Speaking at the event, NaTCA Director General Amara Brewah said the regulator remains committed to ensuring that telecom operators meet their obligations to consumers while maintaining effective engagement between service providers and the public.
Chairman of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Communication and Technology, Hon. Boston Munda, described network connectivity as a major public concern and stressed the need for accountability, improved service delivery, and stronger consumer protection within the sector.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Communication and Technology disclosed that more than US$400 million has been invested in Sierra Leone’s telecommunications sector over the past five years, contributing to the expansion of network coverage by the country’s four telecom operators.
However, the Minister acknowledged that challenges such as theft and vandalism of communication equipment continue to affect service delivery and infrastructure development.
The NaTCA Consumer Parliament also featured presentations from Africell, Qcell, Sierratel, and other industry stakeholders, who outlined ongoing investments and initiatives aimed at improving telecommunications services across Sierra Leone.
